What vaccinations, paperwork, and other miscellaneous things do I need to send the dog to Japan from San Francisco?

Thanks,

Christian

Hi Christian,

Thanks for your inquiry, we'd be happy to offer some advice. These are the pet import requirements for Japan (including instructions for shipping dogs unaccompanied), and we always recommend choosing a pet-friendly airline. Please take a look at this information and contact us if you have more questions or if you'd like to hire us to help handle your move.

When it comes to planning important (and complicated) things like relocations, it can feel like time is speeding by. Before you know it it's moving day and you're trying to make sure that everything is taken care of, and at this point all you can do is hope you didn't forget anything too important.

If you're moving a pet with you and haven't taken the time to investigate all the import rules and regulations that may apply, it's all too easy to discover that you've overlooked something that could cause your pet's departure to be delayed.

Some of the stress can be avoided by starting the move process early, but why exactly do you need at least a month to put together a pet move (and at least six months for some international pet moves)? Read on to find out.

Veterinary Requirements – Many countries require vaccinations to be at least a month old at the time of departure, and often the microchip (another requirement) must be implanted before the vaccines are administered. One mistake or omission related to these could delay a pet’s trip by weeks or even months.

Import Permits – It often takes at least 30 days to secure import permits for international moves. Australia, for example, takes three to six weeks to issue an import permit. Note also that import permits must be obtained before other arrangements can be made, so the whole chain of events depends on this important factor. Some countries also require notification of a pet’s arrival (Japan needs 40 days notice), so that’s one more thing to plan for.

Government Endorsements – Many moves require both a USDA endorsement of health documents as well as endorsements from the destination government. For instance Saudi Arabia needs both USDA and Consulate endorsements, and each of these can take about a week to secure.

Titer Tests – For rabies-free countries that require a titer test in addition to the regular rabies vaccine (these countries include Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Singapore), an additional three to four weeks should be allowed for in the planning process.

Quarantine Reservations – During busy months, such as summer travel season and during the holidays, many quarantine stations are fully booked. Waiting lists in places like Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand can be months long, so it’s important to reserve a spot well in advance of the move date. In general, moving to any destination with a quarantine (Hawaii is also included in this category) will demand extra time, so pets going to these places can’t wait until the last minute.

Crate Training – If a pet isn’t already crate-trained, owners will need to work on doing so as soon as they know they’re moving. Depending on the pet, this process can take weeks or months to accomplish.

Still not convinced that you’ll need a month’s head start? Here are some pitfalls that pet owners should watch out for if they’ve waited until the last minute:

Incomplete or Inaccurate Vet Records - We’ve seen it many times -- pet owners who have gone to the vet regularly over the years think they’re in good shape, but in terms of the strict standards of international travel, often this isn’t the case. Again, vaccines must often be done in a certain order beginning at least 30 days in advance, and some countries, including Japan, require they be done six months ahead of time.

Agent Availability – Waiting until the last minute means our preferred agents might already booked with other jobs, so travel dates may have to be altered to fit their schedules or second-choice agents will need to be found.

Flight Complications – Pet travel by air entails more than just buying a ticket when you need it. You have to choose a pet-safe flight on a plane with cargo doors large enough to accommodate a travel kennel (some planes are just too small), and then you have to request the booking. After that, the airline must verify that everything is in order and make contact with a destination agent, and all of this can take several days to finalize.

Time Differences - With international moves, dealing with time differences makes communicating with agents and officials more challenging, thus taking care of import permits, reserving quarantine space, and making other arrangements all becomes a little trickier.

The Stress Factor – Rushing to put together a pet move is no fun for anyone involved. Relocating is stressful enough without feeling like it’s a race against the clock, so put yourself ahead of the game by allowing plenty of time to plan your move.

Please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any questions about how to move your pet, and happy well-planned traveling, everyone!

Papua New Guinea is an island off the Northern coast of Australia. It is culturally diverse, and over 850 languages are spoken here. With most residents making less than $1.25 US per day, it’s hardly a place I thought I would be sending any expats and their pets, but this is exactly what happened!

Sophie, a Dachshund from Dallas, needed to be reunited with her mom in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. First we thought about going through Hawaii or Japan (as there are no direct flights from the US mainland). After some routing trials, I decided that going through Australia was the only safe option for little Sophie.

Sure, we could have gone through Japan for fewer costs, but the airline in question could not guarantee where Sophie would be kept during the 12-hour layover. If you’re anything like Sophie’s mom (or me!) this is unacceptable. We pride ourselves on knowing where your pet is every step of the way, and the uncertainty involved in this possibility simply wasn’t an option... So Australia it was!

Australia happens to be one of the most challenging countries to import animals into, and if we were going to transit through Australia, we were going to have to meet the majority of the rules. Luckily Sophie’s mom had already planned ahead and kept Sophie up to date on vaccinations, and she even had her blood drawn for the mandatory rabies antibody test so we were ahead of the game. A canine influenza vaccine would complete the process for import into Australia.

Papua New Guinea was a different story. We needed an import permit and a Hendra test upon arrival in Australia. Hendra is a disease not worried about elsewhere in the world, but is apparently prevalent in one small area in Australia. Therefore, any animal touching down in Australia would need to be tested for Hendra.

This is a lengthy process, so I had to arrange for Sophie to stay in quarantine upon arrival in Australia for two weeks while we got the test done and the results back. This process would take a week except for the following: animals have to arrive into Australia from the US on a Thursday or a Friday, the Hendra test is only carried out on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the results arrive on Tuesdays. So, Sophie arrived into Sydney on a Friday and had her blood tested on Tuesday. The results arrived the following Tuesday, but of course the only flights from Sydney to Papua New Guinea are on Mondays and Saturdays. But, Papua New Guinea requires animals to arrive on a Monday or Tuesday, so we couldn’t take the Saturday flight. Are you confused yet? Imagine how I felt!

So Sophie arrived that Friday, had her blood drawn on Tuesday, got the results back the following Tuesday, and couldn’t leave Australia until the following Monday. Luckily, Sydney’s Eastern Creek Quarantine facilities are top notch and were very communicative throughout the process, and Sophie’s mom was very understanding.

Did I mention calling Papua New Guinea or receiving a call is effective about 4% of the time, and they are exact opposites from us in terms of time? So phone call efforts were futile. All communication had to be done by email.

Sophie finally arrive in Port Moresby safely, cleared customs, and was taken to quarantine for two days. After quarantine was complete, my agent was able to deliver Sophie to her new home (Papua New Guinea doesn’t really have street addresses, so this also proved difficult). In all, Sophie was treated kindly, traveled safely, and is probably excited to not see an airplane for a while. After all, she was on four different planes to get to her mom.

A few things to keep in mind if you’re moving your pets to Papua New Guinea:

Get help. You WON’T be able to do this on your own!

Bear in mind the time differences and communication challenges.

Save money! Papua New Guinea -- because of the routing -- is probably the most expensive place in the world I’ve moved a pet so far.

Be patient: this process can take three weeks, just for the travel alone, not even including the preparation.

Be flexible: some areas of the world are quite simple and streamlined, and others are not. I received several emails from the Chief Veterinary Officer of Papua New Guinea from a Gmail account. Some things are going to change when you least expect it so know that as the professionals, we’ll handle it!

We chose PetRelocation.com because of their home-to-home delivery service. It was our first time moving Josh and we were very paranoid about this. We read many stories online about how dogs died on the plane so we wanted to ensure that everything would go smoothly.

Our Pet Relocation Specialist, Sarah, was a great specialist to us. She was empathetic and patient to our inquiries, and she made herself available to us at all times. Even though we were in Japan, she gave us details to ensure that Josh's export documents were in order.

On the day that Josh was supposed to move there were sudden changes, and I had to call Sarah at night. But everything went in order. It was never chaotic. We were never worried.

When Josh arrived in Singapore, he was so energetic and so curious about the whole new environment even after the exhausting flight. At the end of the whole procedure, we realized we worried too much when actually everything went perfectly well.

So to other pet owners out there, if you ever wondered like I did if this is a made-up blog, I can absolutely tell you, no, it is not. PetRelocation.com is a great pet transport service provider. Keep it up!

I am leaving Japan in the summer (expecting to leave in the last week of July) and want to take my two fancy rats home to the US with me. I have contacted the CDC in both countries and they have said there are no specific regulations for pet rats, however I am having a difficult time just getting a list together of everything that I am going to need at the airport. As time starts to run out I am getting very stressed that there will be some sort of last minute thing that I forget!

Also, as I have never shipped a pet before, I am a little confused about how the whole process works. Do I just walk in the airport with the carrier and hand them over when I check my bags? I worry that with the stigma most people have of rats that they won't be treated as well as a larger companion animal would, but I haven't been able to find any airline that will let me take them as carry on (I'd even be willing to buy a second seat!).

I guess what I am asking is just for some idea of what to expect and what forms/ vet information I will need to have for them. Using a service such as your own also isn't out of the question. More than cost, I am just concerned about my (clearly very spoiled) rats getting home safely.

Thank you so much for your informative site. Any information that you can give me will be most appreciated.

Thanks,K

Hello,

Thanks for your question about traveling with your rats; your concerns are certainly understandable! First of all, you're right that it's important to start the process early in order to avoid being surprised about anything.

UPDATE: These rules were originally scheduled to change this month, but will now take effect next year. Also, it was originally stated that the titer test should be done between 90 days and 24 months before the date of departure, but the time frame has now been specified to be between 30 days and 24 months.

Nothing stays the same for too long in the world of pet travel. For example, beginning December 1, 2012, a titer test will now be required when bringing pets to Korea. This is important information to keep in mind if you're planning a trip, as the test must be done at least a month before the time of departure.

Here is what else you should know:

New Korea Import Rules

The new rules apply to all countries other than the following rabies-free countries:

I may be assigned overseas and wanted to see how to go about getting my Great Dane overseas with me. He is a year old and weighs 150 Lbs.

Thanks,David

Hi David,

Thanks for contacting us with your question. First, here is some general information about moving large dogs. You'll probably need to acquire a custom crate for your Great Dane, and it's important to check with your airline ahead of time to make sure the crate will be able to fit onto the airplane.

It's Friday! Check out the pet news of the week as you prepare for what'll hopefully be a fun, safe and happy weekend.

-If you have a pet you know how it is -- they have a magical way of absorbing the stress in a room and they bring laughter to life without even trying. A Doctor in psychology further explores this phenomenon and also asks, is your pet the emotional "third" in your relationship?

-This story began as a heartbreaker but seems to have a happy ending - a kitten was tossed out a car window on a NYC bridge this week but managed to remain unharmed when an animal control officer spotted the cat and picked him up. The kitty is now doing well in foster care.

-In more strange NYC news, a West Village pet store recently placed restrictions on who is allowed to take pets home after a few incidents involving drunk puppy buying.

-Many people are surprised to find out how much it costs to ship a pet. Here's a breakdown of what's involved with moving a pet safely.

-Finally, we announced our Pet Move of the Month this week; Kratos the English Bulldog moved from California to Italy in order to join his loving owner Shaun, a member of the US Navy. The picture of their reunion (below) illustrates one of our favorite parts about moving pets!

How can I ship my pet in the most economical, safe, fast and convenient way?

Thank you,Edna

Hi Edna,

Your question certainly touches on all the most important elements of a great pet move, and we'd love to help you achieve these goals. First, here are the pet import requirements for the Philippines. You'll need to obtain a few vaccines and a microchip, and to streamline the process we suggest getting started well in advance of your move. As always, we always recommend choosing a pet-friendly airline, as well.

Give us a call if you have any particular questions or if you'd like some help. It's less expensive to handle everything yourself (check our site for information about how to do this), but we're happy to take over the door-to-door details of your move if you find that you'd rather not tackle it yourself. Good luck!

As usual, this was a busy week in the world of pet news. Catch up with the headlines, and have a wonderful Friday, everyone!

-Here's an update on pets in Japan -- including what life is like three weeks after the earthquake and how recovery efforts are taking pets into account.

-Have you ever consulted an animal behaviorist to deal with your pet's bad habits and anxiety? Many people have found this to be an expensive -- but helpful -- thing to do.

-Men's NCAA fans and four talented teams are getting ready to enjoy the season's final showdown, and most participants won't receive the same star treatment as Butler's mascot, a bulldog named Blue 2. This pup will fly to the game in a private jet, stay at a four-star hotel, and will even have his own security detail upon arrival.

-Before you know much about it, pet travel can seem overwhelming. Once you break it down into its individual parts, however, you'll see that it's possible to tackle it without losing your sanity. Here's a helpful article that takes a closer look at exactly what it takes to move a pet to Argentina.

-With more and more pets taking to the skies these days, it's good to know that airports are lifting their game as far as pet travel is concerned. Here's a closer look at how Boston Logan International Airport handles pets safely.

-Meet Travelin' Jack, a Bulldog with a blog and a love for adventure. He also has a new book on the shelves, whose proceeds will go to help a no-kill shelter in Jack's native New Mexico.

-We covered the topic of pet-friendly airports a few months ago and it continues to be a topic on our radar, so we were interested to run across Dog Jaunt's coverage of the Dallas airport pet areas. It's a must-read if you'll be traveling through here with a pet anytime soon.

As Japan continues to deal with the effects of the recent earthquake and tsunami, many people have made the tough decision to leave. This choice is certainly stressful and relocating with pets can make things all the more complicated, so if you've decided to make a move it's important to educate yourself regarding up-to-date import requirements and travel tips.

Like Japan, Guam is rabies-free. This might make it a natural choice for Japanese citizens who want to return home at some point, as going to another rabies-free country will streamline the import process (Taiwan is also free of rabies). There are a few things to know before you go, however, so make sure you do your research.

Moving to Guam will require the following:

An entry permit

A microchip,

Proof of vaccinations

A health certificate

It's important to have copies of all the necessary documents, and you'll need to make arrangements with a quarantine facility on the island in order to be cleared for entry. From the United States and many other countries the entry rules are very strict, but pets coming from Japan will most likely be eligible for a shorter quarantine.

Are you a citizen of Japan who has decided to relocate? Feel free to share your story with us, and don't hesitate to let us know if you need a helping hand! Also, if you live in another part of the world and want to be a helping hand, there are plenty of ways to help the pets of Japan.

If you're a pet lover who's been following the devastation in Japan, you've probably found yourself wondering how you can help. This heart-wrenching video of a Spaniel refusing to leave another injured dog's side during the aftermath of the tsunamis hit at the bone of the issue that many pet lovers feel: our pets' loyalty is enduring and we can only attempt to be as loyal as they are to us. If you haven't seen the video, you can watch it below, but be prepared: it's pretty hard to watch.

Everyone at PetRelocation.com is a pet lover, so we found ourselves wondering how we could get involved to help the pets of Japan. We've been providing assistance to pet owners in Japan all week by helping them sort out paperwork issues to get their pets to safety. Bu we still wanted to find a way to help the pets who need it the most: the ones who were stranded and separated from their owners in the aftermath.

That's why we're joining forces with Be the Change for Pets to benefit World Vets, an organization that has mobilized to be on the ground in Japan with much-needed veterinary supplies to help render aid to the pets of Japan. A little bit about World Vets: World Vets is a non-government organization (NGO) providing veterinary aid around the globe and is actively helping pets affected by Japan earthquakes and tsunamis. World Vets teams are already assembled in Niigata, Japan right now with a shipment of veterinary supplies and World Vets veterinarian Dr. Koji Fukumura will be arriving in Tokyo on Friday. Dr. Fukumura will be staying long-term as an in-country coordinator and to provide direct assistance to animals in need. In the meantime, World Vets is in dire need of donations to keep sending veterinary supplies and teams of veterinarians overseas.

What PetRelocation.com is Doing to Help Pets in Japan: In participation with Be the Change for Pets and Paws for Japan Day, we will donate 10% of proceeds for every new customer who signs up with PetRelocation.com today. Through the help of our customers, we'll be donating up to $5000 toward helping World Vets and their noble mission in Japan.

What You Can Do to Help Pets in Japan: Even if you're not moving your pet with us, you can still make a donation to World Vets using the widget below. All donations provided through the form below go directly to World Vets. Even $5 or $10 can make a difference to a suffering pet who needs a bandage or painkiller. Update: So many people have been donating to this event that ChipIn.com, the company processing the donations, is sometimes taking too long to respond. Please try reloading.You can also help spread the word by sharing this post on Facebook or tweeting it using the buttons below.

Good day. I need to move my dog from Japan to Dubai. Problem - I need to have my dog in the kennels/dog sitter from June (as my visa in Japan expires) and can only leave for Dubai around the middle August (when my new visa in Dubai begins). In that time my dog will need injections done, blood tests and all the papers to get her out of Japan and to Dubai. Could you please give me any advice? I cannot take her with me to South Africa as it has rabies. Please please help. Yours sincerely, -Lana

If you won't be with your dog during the weeks leading up to your trip and you don't have a friend or family member to assist you, you will need to enlist some hired help. Check with IPATA for more information, check your local listings for vet assistance, etc..., or contact us for more detailed advice. One of our Pet Relocation Specialists would be happy to help you plan your move.

Could you please advise me about whether or not I need an export permit to take my pet out of Japan (she was born here), and about how I go about importing her to Quito, Ecuador? Your time is much appreciated. Yours sincerely, Johanna.

Hi Johanna,

Thanks for the question! Start by taking a look at the Pet Import Requirements for Ecuador. Here at PetRelocation, we also encourage you to choose a pet-friendly airline and begin the crate-training process (if your dog isn't comfortable in a crate already) as soon as possible.

Please contact us if you'd like some help planning your move. One of our Pet Relocation Specialists would be happy to assist you or answer any questions you may have!

We're relocating from the Washington D.C. area to Bangkok, Thailand with a 3 to 4 hour layover in Tokyo's Narita airport. Will there be any quarantine required for her in Tokyo? Thanks, -Emily

Hi Emily,

Thanks for the question! It's generally not necessary to meet the import requirements of a country if you're only spending a layover there (as long as you're not switching airlines), but it would be a good idea to contact the Narita airport officials for the most up-to-date, relevant details.

We are moving with the US Air Force and are currently stationed in Japan. We will be moving to England but they require us to fly back over the states and then over to England. Will it be possible to get the dogs on these flights following the DEFRA PETS Scheme? I know that they have to fly on specific airlines so I'm a little confused if they can start out on one and then transfer to a different air line in the different country and still manage to avoid the quarantine. Thanks for any help you can offer me. -Stephanie

Hi Stephanie,

Thanks for your question! Both Japan and the US are qualifying countries under the PETS Scheme, so you should be able to complete your travels without undergoing a quarantine as long as youfollow the prescribed rules and regulations. Find out more about the PETS Scheme and review the Pet Import Requirements for the UK on our site.

We are supposed to move sometime in September of this year. My concern is regarding the pet embargo that is imposed from around May through September. Due to high temperatures, pets aren't allowed to fly during some of this time. Is there another solution?

Hi Rebecca,

You're right that it's important to exercise caution when traveling with pets during the warm summer months, but it's not impossible to do it (and do it safely). Airlines with established protocol, such as Continental's PetSafe Program, have instituted policies to keep pets safe when the temperature rises.

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